1 Samuel - The Coming King Sample

A new kingdom has come to Israel, as Saul is confirmed as the new king at Gilgal (11:14–15). Yet, there’s some uncertainty about what kind of kingdom this will be. It had started in rebellion against the Lord (8:7–8), but the good news in this chapter is that past failures and sins don’t have to dominate the present. If God’s people will walk faithfully in the present, then they’ll experience new grace for today. So, as Samuel hands the baton onto Saul, what will this kingdom be – the kingdom of God on earth, or something more sinister (see 8:10–18)? 

As he steps down, Samuel is clear that he leaves a legacy of integrity (vv. 1–5). Israel’s failure isn’t his fault (unlike with Eli earlier). Samuel has lived a life of honesty, fairness and right relationships, which the people can confirm. Wouldn’t it be great if, when asked about the integrity of our lives, the people who know us well might be able to respond similarly? 

Next, Samuel reminds the people of the Lord’s grace down through time (vv. 8–11). This isn’t a people who’ve been treated harshly by their God, but, again and again, they’ve experienced his mercy and provision in the midst of continual sin. Accordingly, their asking for a king hadn’t just been sinful, but it had been sin against God’s amazing grace. The sobering fact is that because every believer has received God’s grace, every sin in a believer’s life is a sin against grace. 

The choice for Israel now, then, is whether or not to remain faithful and obedient in the present (vv. 14–15). If so, they’ll receive new grace. Yes, they’ve displeased the Lord in the past (vv. 16–18), but they have the privilege of Samuel seeking the Lord on their behalf (vv. 19, 23) and the promise of the Lord’s committed love (v. 22). Similarly, whatever has been happening in your life, don’t be held back by your past, but ‘consider what great things he has done for you’ (v. 24). Come back to the Lord’s grace for your present and seek to obey him today.

REFLECTION

1. How can you see God’s grace at work in your life over the last few years?

2. Where might you need to confess sin in your life today? How can you make sure that you’re trusting his grace for you today and moving forward in obeying the Lord?